Obesity. Being overweight is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the standard for determining body weight relative to health for most patients in the age group of 20 to 65 (excluding the highly conditioned such as athletes, or women who are nursing or pregnant.) A Body Mass Index in excess of 27 signals a risk for type 2 diabetes, and other complications such as heart disease, and early death.

Having an apple-shaped figure (too much fat above the hips) generally signals a greater risk factor for type 2 diabetes than for individuals with a pear-shaped figure (too much fat in the thighs and hips). Males with a waist measurement of larger than 39.5 in. (100 cm), and females, larger than 37.5 in. (95 cm) are considered to be at greater risk.

As we age the risks of type 2 diabetes become greater. When we age beyond 45 we are at a greater risk than before and when we are 65 and older we are three times higher than those in the 35 to 64 age group.

Staying physically fit and keeping our weight in check minimizes our chances for acquiring type 2 diabetes. Eating a proper diet and exercising regularly will also help improve blood sugar levels for those who already have the disease.

If a parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes you are at risk too. While the cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, genetics appears to play a key role. In 2003, researchers found a key gene that could explain why some are more susceptible to the disease than others. Although type 2 diabetes is linked with a strong genetic predisposition, the genetics of this type of diabetes are complex and not yet clear.

Nearly four out of every ten women who have diabetes during pregnancy will eventually develop type 2. This usually happens within 10 years of giving birth.

Having impaired glucose tolerance is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. This can occur prior to the development of type 2 . While people with this risk factor alone are not considered to have the disease, the resulting abnormal blood sugar levels puts them at increased danger for type 2 and also cardiovascular disease. As we get older our glucose tolerance decreases, along with our chances for getting type 2 diabetes and hyperglycemia.

Ethnic Ancestry: Those of African, Aboriginal, Asian or Latin American ancestry are at greater risk of having type 2 diabetes.

High Blood Pressure: This risk factor for type 2 diabetes is present in up to to 60 percent of people with undiagnosed diabetes.

High Cholesterol: Among those with diabetes more than 40 percent have abnormally high cholesterol levels.